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In a case of just desserts, thousands of Amtrak workers are finally going to get what they've earned.

Amtrak said thousands of employees who worked for years under an outdated contract will soon receive a remaining $145 million in back pay.

Amtrak agreed to pay the unionized workers over two years. So far, the national passenger railroad has paid out $428 million. The rest of the money will be awarded May 1.

Amtrak spokeswoman Tracy Connell said Tuesday the money will come from a combination of congressional appropriations and Amtrak general funds.

A deal with Amtrak's workers was reached in January 2008 after they came close to striking following years of unsuccessful mediation. The railroad has about 16,000 union-covered employees. Some workers had been without an updated contract for eight years.